Jaguar E-Type S1 4.2 2+2

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Launched in March 1961 the E-Type took the world by storm. It was not just the looks that made everyone sit up though. ‘The Motor’ magazine tested an early 3.8-litre E-Type at 149mph – a truly extraordinary achievement for a road car in 1961.

The Series 1 was upgraded to 4.2 litres in 1964, giving it 265bhp and useful extra torque. A stretched 2+2 was also added to the range in 1966 with an extra 9” added to the chassis, longer doors to aid getting in and out and a more vertical windscreen which gave valuable added headroom – if you are much over 6 foot, you just won’t get in a standard two-seater E-Type Coupe! Only 1,379 right-hand drive S1 2+2 models were produced before it was replaced by the less attractive looking Series 2 in July 1968.

This particular 2+2 is a genuine UK market Series 1 manual gearbox model that dates from 1966. Not much is known of the early history of the car but it was acquired by the last owner from The E-Type Centre in 2002 for £24,950 at which point it was in generally good restored condition.

He then spent a fair amount of money on the car to rectify a few issues with bills on file for some £5,300. These include a rebuilt cylinder head suitable for unleaded fuel, new master cylinder and fuel pump, new carpets and a new battery. It also benefits from several upgrades including a full big bore stainless steel sports exhaust system (including manifold), modern high torque starter motor, Kenlowe electric cooling fan, spin-off oil filter conversion, front inertia reel seatbelts and rear lap belts.

The vendor acquired the car just over three years ago and has had it serviced by Jaguar specialists Phoenix Restorations of Eardisley including the fitment of a complete new clutch kit in 2014 plus various other jobs at a cost of £1,365 (invoices on file). Said to drive well and due to have a new MOT in time for the sale, it is also said to be in good condition throughout and very sound underneath. It certainly went well when we were treated to a short test drive on the occasion of our visit.

E-Types continue to be highly sought after, especially factory right-hand drive models in good condition, and we can’t see them going down in value any time soon; so if you have ever hankered after one bid vigorously today or kick yourself for your hesitancy hereafter…